I never got asked for a German test (which I didn't have proof of anyway), my B just got automatically upgraded to a C on renewal. I didn't get a choice whether to stay on a B or not (I would have preferred to avoid the tax declaration stuff too).

A friend of mine (citizen of recently-joined EU country, living in the same Swiss city) got asked for proof of his German test (which he didn't have) and so on renewal just got another B.

No, it doesn't according to the link above
Only social welfare (Sozialhilfe) does count

I am Non-EU (US Citizen) and after 2 years on an L Permit and 3 years on a B Permit, I received a letter asking me to report to the Immigration Office with my permit, passport, photos and last salary statement. Lady asked me whether I wanted a B or a C, I said C and I got it 3 weeks later in the mail. No need for a language test, debt or criminal record or anything else. Was actually very quick!

Hi Everyone,

I've got to submit my paperwork for a C-Permit in a couple days and I'm really struggling to work out where to get proof that I haven't claimed Sozialhilfe - I moved from Basel To Zürich a year ago and I need to get it from both cantons.

The work permit office, if you will, gave me a piece of paper to
have filled out by my Communities( Gemeinde ) where I have lived for
the last five years.

I had to go to the Gemeinde where I live now and the Gemeinde where I used to live in Zürich. They filled out the paper given to me given to
me in paragrah 1 saying I paid all taxes and have never been on welfare(Sozialhilfe).

can someone please explain what exactly is sozialhilfe?

Does RAV not fall into category?

thanks

The poster above said that it does not, but personally, I don't
have this experience.

Sozialhilfe is unemployment benefit, I believe.

No, unemployment is insurance that you pay into and to which you are entitled. Social aid is discretionary and is not linked in the same way. If you are unlucky and are unemployed a ling time you may end up on social aid.

ric Re: B to C permit
Sozialhilfe is unemployment benefit, I believe.


Can some one clarify on the above. Does that mean if someone has got unemployment benefit, he/she is not entitled for early C permit?

what is the basic gist of this http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sozialhilfe_%28Schweiz%29 in English?

thanks

Not quite. If you *work* then it's no problem. If you are a student read research assistant then it diesn't count.